Audient has introduced ORIA, an audio interface and monitor controller designed for multi-speaker arrays from stereo up to 9.1.6 setups. Andrew Allen of Audient describes it as a tool for those working in immersive audio, offering features like onboard room and speaker calibration DSP, monitoring control, and compatibility with Sonarworks and Dolby Atmos.

ORIA provides 16 outputs (TRS or AES), two stereo outputs, two independent headphone outputs, BNC Word Clock in/out, two Audient Console Mic Preamps, 16 ADAT inputs, and an optional AoIP Dante card with 16 inputs. This makes it suitable for various studio setups, including larger studios and educational facilities.

The device can function as both a USB-C audio interface with 16 outputs and a standalone monitor controller. Its Advanced Speaker Processing allows the creation of up to 32 calibration profiles using tools such as 8-band EQ, Speaker Delay, Trim, and Bass Management.

Audient has partnered with Sonarworks to enable loading of SoundID Reference profiles directly into ORIA. This facilitates room measurement and calibration.

ORIA comes with a Sonarworks Reference Measurement microphone and a 60-day trial of the SoundID Reference for Multichannel software. After the trial, a full license for continued use of Sonarworks Profiles with ORIA's hardware can be purchased.

Audient notes that ORIA’s DSP Dual Processor Architecture is designed to offer low latency audio and reduce CPU load.

ORIA’s software and iPad Remote allow for control over various audio environments. It includes functions like speaker switching, level adjustment, mute/solo options, and volume control. A forthcoming update will add support for the Dolby Atmos Renderer.

Designed for professional use, ORIA offers multiple I/O options for surround speakers and other connections. It features high-performance converters with 126dB dynamic range and Audient Console Mic Preamps with 58dB of gain.

Hardware Features :

• Supports up to 9.1.6 Speaker Setups

• 2 x 16 Channel Surround Outputs (Analogue & AES)

• 2 x Stereo Line Outputs (Relay Switched)

• 2 x Independent Stereo Headphone Outputs

• 2 x Audient Mic Preamps (Mic / D.I / Line)

• 2 x ADAT Inputs

• Word Clock Input

• Word Clock Output

• ORIA Motion UI

• 24 bit / 96kHz

• USB 2.0 / USB Type-C

• SoundID Reference Measurement Microphone Included

• Optional AoIP Card (Dante) for 16 Input channels

Software Features:

• ORIA Software

• Onboard Room Calibration DSP

• Per Output EQ

• Per Output Delay

• Per Output Trim

• Per Output Crossover (Bass Management)

• Profile Switching - Sonarworks Integrated

• Configurable Global Bypass

• Immersive Monitoring Control

• Input / Output Switching

• Master Volume Control

• Global Delay (lip sync)

• Individual Speaker Solo & Mute

• Speaker Group Solo & Mute

• Per Channel Metering (pre & post)

• Down Mix Cycling - Dolby Atmos Renderer Integrated

• Programmable Function Button

• iPad Control App

ORIA is expected to start shipping in the first quarter of 2024. The retail pricing is set at UK £2520 inc VAT, Euro €2885, and US $2625 MAP. The optional Dante Card is priced at UK £600, Euro €685, and US $625 MAP.

In terms of features, ORIA supports up to 9.1.6 speaker setups, offers 24-bit / 96kHz resolution, and includes a SoundID Reference Measurement Microphone. The software provides room calibration DSP, monitoring control, and an iPad Control App.